One of the major complaints I hear from pedestrians who are legally blind is that motorists don’t know how to react when they encounter a white cane user at a street crossing.
As a result, we have compiled a Top Ten List of DON’Ts for motorists when they see a pedestrian using a white cane or dog guide at street crossings.
(Adapted from a 1998 handout developed by James Hazard & Kathy Zelaya)
Top Ten List of DON’Ts for motorists
10. Don’t stop your car more than five feet from the crosswalk line or stop line.
9. Don’t yell out “It’s OK to cross”.
8. Don’t get impatient when waiting for a pedestrian who is visually impaired to cross. If the pedestrian places the long cane into the street, it usually indicates he or she will begin a street crossing. If the cane user takes a step back and pulls back the cane from the curb, it usually indicates the person will not be crossing at that time. Proceed with caution.
7. Don’t consider a “rolling” stop as a complete stop. A Stop sign means STOP!
6. Don’t turn right on red without coming to a full stop and always look for pedestrians. The RIGHT on RED Law requires drivers to come to a complete stop prior to making a right turn.
5. Don’t fail to stop for a pedestrian at all crosswalks whether or not there is a traffic signal or stop sign. Come to a full stop.
4. Don’t stop your car in the middle of the crosswalk.
3. Don’t pass another stopped car waiting for a pedestrian to cross the street.
2. Don’t wave to pedestrians who are using a white cane or dog guide to indicate that you are waiting for them. They CAN NOT see you.
1. Don’t Honk!
Remember to follow the Massachusetts White Cane Law: All Motorists, when they see a pedestrian who uses a dog guide or white cane at a street crossing, must come to a complete stop!
